Pulborough Brooks, 15/10/25

 It was Dad's birthday, and I was very pleased to hear he wanted to go to Pulborough Brooks in the morning, as he had really enjoyed it last time we went (last winter). He's not full on into birding yet, but he's getting there:)

After arriving, we walked towards the West Mead hide. The water levels seemed extremely low, even lower than when I was here in June, which was a surprise. 

With hardly any water from the West Mead, there was little about, but after a while, a male Marsh Harrier flew in distantly and landed behind some grass. 

There were plenty of Canada Geese, Linnets, Goldfinches, and two Egyptian Geese, although all were distant. 

After managing to get my scope onto the Harrier on the ground, and everyone had seen it, we moved on to Winpenny. 

There was a lot of chatter inside, and another Marsh Harrier was a lot closer. It gave some great views before being lost to people's interest, as a White-tailed Eagle was spotted far off in the distance. 

After a while longer looking about, we continued on to the Little Hanger hide, where a Green Sandpiper was showing quite well, although the lighting was horrible.

In the same patch of water as the sandpiper, I noticed a small bird walking about- a pipit. 

Immediately after seeing it through my bins, my suspicions were aroused. It reminded me heavily of Water Pipit, and after all, it was walking around and feeding in water, so it could well be. I noticed the dark legs, separating it from Meadow Pipit, meaning there was only one other species it could be- Rock Pipit. But marshy inland wetlands are not exactly the place for a Rock Pipit, are they.... 

After having practically confirmed it as Water Pipit, I got my scope and camera on it and got some photos. 

I was very chuffed. Not only was this a bird I'd never seen before, but it was also number 200 on my British Life List. After managing to get all the family on the bird, I got some more shots, and after a while, we moved on. 

In Netley's hide, there was a decent amount of water looking over the north brooks, and a few Greylag Geese were visible in the background. There were plenty of Shoveler, Teal, Gadwall and a Snipe.

Time was getting on, and I needed to get some chicken marinating in the fridge for dinner(Butter Chicken Curry), so we walked back to the visitor centre and went home. 

It had been a great trip, with a huge unexpected bonus of number 200 for my British list, and Dad had really enjoyed the time as well.